Train's arrival in Beijing raises speculation of Kim visit

By: The Associated Press

Tuesday, March 27, 2018 12:06 AM

BEIJING (AP) The arrival of a special train in Beijing and heavy security at a guesthouse where prominent North Koreans have stayed have raised speculation that Kim Jong Un is making his first visit to China as the North's leader.

Kim has summits planned with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in late April and with President Donald Trump by May. China has been one of North Korea's most important allies.

A convoy of official Chinese cars was seen leaving the east gate of guesthouse Tuesday, heading in the direction of government offices and the city's two train stations.

A staffer with the Chinese foreign ministry's press office responded to a question about Kim's possible presence in Beijing by saying, "So far, I am not aware of the situation you mentioned."

Train's arrival in Beijing raises speculation of Kim visit

Police in tactical gear block a road leading to the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. Unusually heavy security at a Beijing guesthouse where prominent North Koreans have stayed in the past and media reports of a special train arriving have raised speculation that Kim Jong Un is making his first trip to China as North Korea's leader. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

The Associated Press

Police and security officials stand guard as a motorcade travels along a road near the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. The arrival of a special train in Beijing and unusually heavy security at a guesthouse where prominent North Koreans have stayed in the past have raised speculation that North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un is making his first visit to China as the North's leader. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

The Associated Press

Police in tactical gear block a road leading to the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. The arrival of a special train in Beijing and unusually heavy security at a guesthouse where prominent North Koreans have stayed in the past have raised speculation that Kim Jong Un is making his first visit to China as the North's leader. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

The Associated Press

Plainclothes security officials block a road in front of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. Unusually heavy security at a Beijing guesthouse where prominent North Koreans have stayed in the past and media reports of a special train arriving have raised speculation that Kim Jong Un is making his first trip to China as the North's leader. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

The Associated Press

Chinese policemen stand guard at a road barricade in front of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. Unusually heavy security at a Beijing guesthouse where prominent North Koreans have stayed in the past and media reports of a special train arriving have raised speculation that Kim Jong Un is making his first trip to China as the North's leader. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

The Associated Press

Heavy security presence is seen at the entrance to the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse where top North Korean leaders have stayed on previous trips to Beijing, China, Monday, March 26, 2018. Japanese media reports said a special North Korean train arrived in Beijing under unusually heavy security on Monday, suggesting a senior delegation might have been aboard. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

The Associated Press

Chinese policemen block a road leading to the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. Unusually heavy security at a Beijing guesthouse where prominent North Koreans have stayed in the past and media reports of a special train arriving have raised speculation that Kim Jong Un is making his first trip to China as the North's leader. A sign in the center reads: "Traffic control." (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

The Associated Press

A military honor guard is seen marching away after a convoy of vehicles enter the the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse where top North Korean leaders have been known to stay on previous trips to Beijing, China, Monday, March 26, 2018. Japanese media reports said a special North Korean train arrived in Beijing under unusually heavy security on Monday, suggesting a senior delegation might have been aboard. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

The Associated Press

Police officers guard an intersection near the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse where top North Korean leaders have stayed on previous trips to Beijing, China, Monday, March 26, 2018. Japanese media reports said a special North Korean train arrived in Beijing under unusually heavy security on Monday, suggesting a senior delegation might have been aboard. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

The Associated Press

A paramilitary policeman guards the entrance to the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse where top North Korean leaders have stayed on previous trips to Beijing, China, Monday, March 26, 2018. Japanese media reports said a special North Korean train arrived in Beijing under unusually heavy security on Monday, suggesting a senior delegation might have been aboard. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

The Associated Press

A convoy under heavy security is seen passing into the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse where top North Korean leaders have stayed on previous trips to Beijing, China, Monday, March 26, 2018. Japanese media reports said a special North Korean train arrived in Beijing under unusually heavy security on Monday, suggesting a senior delegation might have been aboard. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

The Associated Press